Yerevan

OPPORTUNITIES

Now in its eighth year, AGBU’s Yerevan Summer Internship Program offers Armenian college students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain valuable professional experience while immersing in a full schedule of educational, cultural, and social activities in Armenia’s capital. Sponsored by the Levon Nazarian Foundation, the Program provides students with an edge in the new global market by offering them hands-on, international work experience in their field of study while giving them the opportunity to develop closer ties to their heritage and a professional network of peers in the world-wide Armenian diaspora.

Career opportunities in Yerevan are exciting and exceptional. Armenia, whose economy was once primarily based on textiles and industry and highly dependent on outside resources has seen a surge in the communication technology, media, arts, education, medical, and business sectors. For a student interested in any of these areas or international affairs, government, and law, there are countless opportunities to obtain hands-on work experience. Moreover, exposure to a post-Soviet, international setting cultivates a cross-cultural perspective for students throughout the summer and often becomes a unique point on resumes and in future career development. Yerevan is also the global hub of the Armenian community and offers unparalleled exposure to aspects of Armenian culture unavailable elsewhere.

Over the years, students have interned at some of Armenia’s leading institutions in the fields of business, media, government, law, medicine, and social and economic development. These organizations include the American University of Armenia, American Bar Association/CEELI, Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS), Golden Apricot International Film Festival, ArmeniaNow Online Magazine, Hetq Online, Deem Communications, Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art, HSBC Bank, Various Hospitals and Clinics, National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia, Civilitas Foundation, Republic of Armenia National Assembly and Various Ministries, Human Rights Defenders’ Office, and UNDP.

CITY

Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of Armenia and the headquarters of major Armenian and international companies, making it an attractive outsourcing location for Western European, Russian, American, and Asian multinationals. Yerevan is also the country’s governmental capital, host to the political and diplomatic institutions of the Republic as well as its financial hub, home to the Central Bank of Armenia, the Armenian Stock Exchange (NASDAQ OMX Armenia), and the country’s largest commercial banks.

Nightlife

Yerevan has an extensive nightlife scene with a variety of cafés, night clubs, live music venues, jazz cafés, tea houses, pubs, cinemas, karaoke clubs, and restaurants. Many cafés and restaurants stay open into the late hours as locals and tourists alike come out to enjoy the warm summer evenings. The Swan Lake next to the Opera House, the dancing fountains of the Republic Square, and the Cascade complex are a few of the most popular nightlife destinations with hundreds of bustling and modern open air cafés to choose from.

Arts & Culture

Museums, art galleries, and libraries as well as historic sites are found within footsteps of one another making Yerevan a national treasure to be discovered over time. Among the many prominent sites are the National Gallery of Armenia, the History Museum of Armenia, the Cafesjian Museum of Art, the Matenadaran library of ancient manuscripts, and the Armenian Genocide museum and memorial. Hidden gems are found behind every corner including the House-Museum of Yervand Kochar, the Sergei Parajanov Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the cutting-edge NPAK gallery, the Children’s Picture Gallery, and the Martiros Saryan Museum along with many private galleries.

The heart of Armenian culture has revolved around music, dance, and theater arts for centuries. Yerevan’s concert halls and theaters provide entertainment and a deeper connection to Armenia’s history and rich cultural tradition. The Yerevan Opera and Ballet Theatre features an array of Armenian and international productions throughout the year and consists of two concert halls: the Aram Khatchaturian concert hall and the hall of the National Theater of Opera and Ballet, named after Alexander Spendiarian. In addition, the Yerevan State Musical Comedy Theatre, Russian Drama Theatre, Yerevan State Dramatic Theatre, Yerevan State Hamazgain Theatre, and the Puppet Theatre all host a diverse array of performances year round.

ACCOMMODATIONS

During their stay in Yerevan, participants reside at the AGBU Karapetian Youth Center Guesthouse–a spacious and fully furnished purpose built facility for AGBU Youth activities. Living together under the same roof, the interns often spend the balmy summer evenings exchanging the experiences of the day, barbecuing, and building bonds with their new friends.

Transportation

Most places within Central Yerevan are within walking distance. The most popular forms of public transportation are the subway, buses, and minibuses (known as marshutkas). Also, taxis are inexpensive and readily available at any time of day or night. The Yerevan Metro is a rapid transit system that has been serving the capital city since 1981. It has a single line with 10 active stations, decorated with ornate designs and chandeliers hanging from the corridors. More than 50,000 commuters use the Yerevan metro on a daily basis.

ACTIVITIES

A broad range of cultural, educational, and social activities offer students the chance to connect with new friends and actively engage in Armenian daily life. Participants have the unique opportunity to meet with representatives of different branches of the Armenian government and business leaders, allowing them to gain insight into the growing and evolving economy, politics, and culture of the country.

Interns engage in weekly activities consisting of Armenian language and folk dance classes with first-class instructors. They also take part in history lectures with experts in the field. The classroom lessons come to life through sightseeing and cultural visits to Yerevan’s museums, theaters, and opera. Weekend excursions are also designed to help students learn about their Armenian history while visiting historical sites and monuments.

Organized out of town visits, include trips to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and the towns of Gyumri and Dilijan, are some of the unique pleasures we offer YSIP participants. A day trip to Lake Sevan is one of the most popular outings. Finally, an unforgettable three-day trip to Karabakh tours major sites like Stepanakert, Shushi, and Gandzasar and allows the participants to experience life in this beautiful corner of Armenia though the eyes of its local residents.

Ultimately, this special journey to the homeland will give participants a greater understanding of their cultural identity and enhance their future roles as professional leaders in the Armenian world and beyond.